Manicotti Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tspolive oil
- 1 lbitalian sausage
hot or mild, casings removed
- ½ conion
finely chopped
- 2 tspminced garlic
- 15 ozricotta cheese
- 1egg
- 1 cmozzarella cheese
shredded
- ½ cparmesan cheese
finely grated
- ¾ tspdried italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 ½ cmarinara sauce
- 12manicotti shells
- 1 ½ cmozzarella cheese
- 2 tbspchopped parsley
- cooking spray
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9"x13" baking dish with cooking spray.
For the filling
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the sausage in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking up the meat into small pieces.
- 2
Add the onions to the pan. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until onions are softened and sausage is browned and cooked through.
- 3
Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat.
- 4
Place the ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- 5
Add the meat mixture to the ricotta mixture. Stir until well mixed.
For assembly
- 1
Cook the manicotti in salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions state. Drain and cool slightly.
- 2
Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce over the bottom of the pan.
- 3
Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each manicotti with the meat and cheese mixture.
- 4
Arrange the manicotti in a single layer in the pan. Pour the rest of the sauce over the top.
- 5
Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned.
- 6
Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Manicotti Recipe
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About this Recipe
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for feeding a crowd? This classic Manicotti recipe, bursting with savory Italian sausage and three decadent cheeses, is your answer to a satisfying, homemade Italian meal.
What makes this Manicotti truly special is the harmonious blend of rich Italian sausage—whether you prefer hot or mild—combined with creamy ricotta, sharp Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella. Each manicotti shell is generously stuffed, then bathed in marinara and baked until bubbling, ensuring every bite is pure comfort and a taste of home.
Prepare for a rich and hearty main course that delivers on flavor and satisfaction. You'll find tender manicotti shells encasing a robust, well-seasoned filling of sausage, onion, garlic, and a luxurious trio of cheeses. The top layer of melted mozzarella cheese offers a delightful golden crust, beautifully complementing the tangy marinara sauce. It's a truly comforting classic, ideal for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, where its generous servings will surely impress.
You can easily tailor this recipe to your taste. Opt for hot Italian sausage if you enjoy a spicy kick, or mild Italian sausage for a gentler flavor profile. While the recipe calls for marinara, feel free to use your favorite jarred tomato sauce for convenience or a homemade version if you have one on hand.
This Manicotti recipe makes a fantastic centerpiece for any gathering, easily feeding six people. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying Italian feast that feels both indulgent and wonderfully familiar.